Ebonyi State Government through office of the wife of the Executive Governor’s wife Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru has launched campaign on breastfeeding.
While marking 2023 World Breastfeeding Week with the theme: “Breastfeeding – Making a Difference For Working Parents,” the First Lady urged all traditional Rulers, political leaders, policy makers, legislators, women, men, to become advocate of exclusive breastfeeding and support mothers across the state to practice it.
She called on all mothers to embrace on exclusive breastfeeding in order to improve the development of babies, noting that the State Government through her office, will remain committed to support, protect and promote breastfeeding as a veritable means towards eradication childhood malnutrition in all its forms.
Special Assistant to the Governor, office of the First Lady, Mrs Jessica Uburu, who represented the Governor’s wife while addressing newsmen urged the development partners to continue in protecting, promoting and supporting exclusive breastfeeding as these are fundamental right of every child and mother.
The Commissioner for Health, Mr. Moses Nkama, in his opening remark, said plans are on the way for Ebonyi government to adopt the extended six months maternity leave for working mothers.
He stated that the state government would provide baby creches in all offices, to ensure that working mothers in government and private sectors breastfeed their infants for six months.
Nkama added that the week-long event serves as a reminder of the significant role that breastfeeding plays in nurturing healthy communities and promoting well being of both mother’s and child.
He emphasised the benefits of breastfeeding, stressing that breast milk provides essential nutrients, anti bodies and protection against various diseases for babies.
The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma promised that she will use this year 2023 August Meeting to educate pregnant mothers on the initiative.
Mr. Clinton Ofoegbu, Nutrition Focal Person , USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, called on the state government to adopt the 2-weeks paternal leave for Husbands to assist their wives.